Final answer:
The appropriate step following a determination of absence by a commanding officer is to track the servicemember's whereabouts (option D). This ensures the member's safety, identifies the cause of absence, and maintains military integrity.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a determination of absence is made by a service member's commanding officer, it is important to follow the correct protocol to address the member's status. Contrary to the immediate response of discharging the member (option A), extending their leave (option B), or sealing their records (option C), the most appropriate step to take is actually to track the member's whereabouts (option D). This involves a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances of the absence. It's critical that the military follows standard operating procedures to either locate the service member or to take further administrative or disciplinary action based on the results of the investigation.
During this process, the military may employ various resources, including working with law enforcement and using investigative units within the military itself, to locate the absent member. The servicemember's status could potentially change to Absent Without Leave (AWOL), and if the absence is prolonged, it might lead to a classification of desertion, which carries significant legal consequences. It is important to maintain the integrity of the military's structure and conduct, hence diligently following through the proper channels to resolve the situation is crucial. It is also paramount that this process respects the legal rights of the service member and ensures that all actions taken are within the bounds of military law and policy. The goal is to ensure the safety and accountability of military personnel while safeguarding the service's operational effectiveness. Upon completion of the investigation, if the individual is located and returned to military control, appropriate disciplinary or administrative actions will be evaluated based on the specific circumstances of the absence.